Today we’re announcing the publication date for the two new editions of Lifting Shadows: 30th November 2009.

The books are currently being printed, and they’ll be sent out from our warehouse in the days immediately after the publication date. The delivery time will vary depending on where you are in the world, but you should receive your order in plenty of time for Christmas.

The publication date will also mark the end of the pre-order period. So orders placed after 30th November will no longer benefit from the 15% discount on the Classic Edition. If you haven’t placed your order yet, now’s the time to buy.

Finally, if you have already placed your order, please take a moment to check that we have the correct shipping details for you.

It’s a little while since the first orders were placed, so if your address has changed since ordering you’ll need to let us know. You can update your details online using the weblink at the bottom of your confirmation email. Please note that any amendments to your shipping address must be made by 23rd November 2009

I stumbled across a few things on YouTube that really hit home this week.

Anyone who recalls the Marillion years with Fish will remember all the imagery, the wonderful lyrics and music, performances on Top Of The Pops and all the world's greatest stages. I still adore both Fish's solo work and much of modern Marillion, but taking a look at these clips made me feel kind of sad. I only wish the guys would get back together for a series of shows to reprise some of those wonderfully edgy, progressive rock tracks once again . . .

"As we’ve been hinting over on Twitter, we’ve got a very special competition up our sleeves. We’re printing a very, very small number of extra special copies of the Limited Edition for the band themselves. Like the rest of the Limited Edition books, these will be luxurious leather-bound copies of Rich’s acclaimed biography. Unlike the rest of the Limited Edition, they will sport a unique foiled designation on the front cover and they won’t be put on sale. In fact, the only place you might ever see one is on the guys’ personal bookshelves. We’ve got one of these highly unusual books – we’re calling it the Golden Book – to give away. What’s more, Dream Theater have agreed to sign it."

"To be in with a chance of winning the Golden Book, simply pre-order either edition of the new Lifting Shadows. When the pre-order phase ends, we’ll randomly select one purchaser to receive the prize. You can choose either the Classic Edition or the Limited Edition – they’ll simply be one chance to win per customer, so it doesn’t matter which edition you order or how many copies you buy. And if you’ve already ordered, don’t worry – your name will also go into the hat. Good luck!"